By Lex Zulieta, Vea Grace Baconguis and Victoria Melissa C Pulido

In photo: Delegates received their completion certificates at the conclusion
of the Uniservitate Service Learning Student Fellowship.
*Photos courtesy of the Archer’s Network. DLSU 

The Uniservitate Service-Learning Student Fellowship (SLSF) concluded its pilot run in the Philippines from 3 to 11 August 2025 in Cebu City. The program was co-facilitated by the University of San Carlos (USC) and the De La Salle University, which serves as the Uniservitate Regional Hub for Asia and Oceania. As part of a global network, the initiative promotes solidarity service-learning in Catholic Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and aims to institutionalize it as a tool for integral education and active commitment to contemporary challenges.

The week-long program featured learning sessions on foundational service-learning concepts. Topics like Solidarity Service-Learning, Catholic Social Teaching, and the Philippine National Situationer were discussed to connect the program to the country's social context. A key component was the community immersion at St Arnold Janssen Village in Bankal and Miramar, where internally displaced individuals had been provided transitional housing and assistance by USC's extension office. During the immersion, student delegates, grouped by their academic backgrounds (eg, education, psychology, sciences, business), conceptualized and implemented service-learning projects directly addressing the community's needs.

Student delegates from various institutions in and beyond the Philippines proudly presented and implemented their service-learning projects to the local communities. Among the featured initiatives were two projects led by student delegates from Xavier University: "LIGTAS LAMOK," a DIY organic mosquito repellent, and "B.A.S.I.C. Care," a project focused on hygiene education.

The “Ligtas Lamok” Project: A Natural Solution to Dengue Protection

The Pure and Applied Sciences cluster presented their "LIGTAS LAMOK" project at St Arnold Janssen Village in Lapu-Lapu City. The featured project is a do-it-yourself (DIY) mosquito repellent made from lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) combined with common household items like cooking oil, water, and isopropyl alcohol. The team, which included Xavier University’s Lex C Zulieta, a BS Marine Biology student, aimed to equip residents with the knowledge and skills to create a natural, cost-effective solution to combat mosquitoes.

In photo: The Pure and Applied Sciences group, with Xavier Ateneo’s Lex C. Zulieta, during their
SL Implementation workshop on making an organic anti-mosquito repellent.
*Photos courtesy of the Archer’s Network. DLSU

During their community immersion, the students discovered that mosquitoes were a pressing concern in the community, posing a significant risk of dengue infection, especially among children. They found that most available chemical-based repellents were not only harmful to the environment but also to humans. To address this, the students developed an organic alternative that is both effective and safe for children who are often exposed to mosquito-borne illnesses, applying their respective fields of study in order to implement a relevant project for the community.

The initiative aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being and SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities), as well as the Philippine Department of Health's 5S KONTRA DENGUE campaign. Rooted in the message of Pope Francis’s Laudato Si', the project promotes sustainable living and ecological responsibility. It also reflects Catholic Social Teachings (CST) by upholding the values of stewardship and solidarity, particularly for vulnerable populations. The team officially turned over their outputs to the community, empowering residents with a practical, low-cost solution to a persistent health and environmental issue.

"B.A.S.I.C. Care": Fostering Health and Dignity

The Education and Community Group presented their project, "B.A.S.I.C. Care" (Building Awareness on Sanitation, Hygiene, and Cleanliness), in partnership with the people of St. Arnold Janssen Village in Miramar. Led by delegates including Xavier University’s Vea Grace Baconguis, a BS Secondary Education major in Social Studies, the project was a response to the community's need for basic hygiene education.

During community immersion, delegates learned that many children and young women lacked basic knowledge about hygiene practices and felt too shy to ask questions. The project was designed to create a safe space for learning and discussion, providing interactive workshops on proper handwashing, tooth brushing, and waste sorting. Participants also received hygiene kits to apply what they learned at home.

In Photo: The SLSF delegates enjoyed their time serving their community partners and implementing their projects.
*Photos courtesy of the Archer’s Network. DLSU

The project was a true service-learning experience, where students applied their academic knowledge while learning empathy and resilience from the community. "B.A.S.I.C. Care" aligns with UN SDGs (SDG 3, SDG 4, and SDG 6), national health campaigns, and Catholic Social Teaching, demonstrating that education is not confined to classrooms but lives in the daily struggles and hopes of communities. The project’s impact extended beyond the immediate activity, serving as a testament to the belief that small acts can lead to lasting change.

The participation of Xavier University's delegates in the Uniservitate Service-Learning Student Fellowship (SLSF) underscored the university's commitment to developing globally-minded, socially engaged citizens. By applying their skills to real-world challenges, these students demonstrated that an education with a heart can lead to powerful and lasting change in communities.

The SLSF, organized by the Uniservitate Asia and Oceania Regional Hub, brought together universities from across the region, with participants from India, Australia, Indonesia, Taiwan, Macau and the Philippines.